Wendell scott legacy scholarship

The Wendell Scott Legacy Scholarship is designed to honor the trailblazing legacy of Wendell Scott, the first African-American NASCAR driver to win at the highest level of professional stock-car racing. Rooted in innovation, perseverance, and excellence, this scholarship provides financial support to deserving students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Through this program, the Wendell Scott Foundation aims to inspire, empower, and invest in the next generation of STEM leaders, particularly those who reflect Wendell Scott’s spirit of resilience, curiosity, and breaking barriers.

Scholarship Purpose

To provide financial support to deserving students pursuing higher education in STEM and to empower future innovators who reflect Wendell Scott’s resilience, curiosity, and commitment to excellence.

Eligible Fields of Study

STEM majors including (but not limited to):

  • Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, automotive, etc.)

  • Computer Science / Information Technology / Cybersecurity

  • Data Science / Artificial Intelligence

  • Mathematics and Applied Sciences

  • Environmental Science / Sustainability

  • Biomedical, Health, and Life Sciences

  • Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation, and Transportation-related STEM

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a high school senior 

  • Plan to enroll in a STEM degree program

  • Meet scholarship requirements outlined in the application (GPA, documentation, etc.)

  • Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and commitment to academic success

Award Details

  • Award Amount: Varies based on available funding

  • Funds May Be Used For: Tuition, fees, books, and approved educational expenses

  • Selection Criteria: Academic achievement, commitment to STEM, leadership/community impact, and a strong personal statement aligned with Wendell Scott’s legacy.

 
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Application Timeline

  1. Application Open: January 6, 2026
  2. Application Deadline: March 15th (11:59 PM EST)
  3. Review Period: March 16th – April 30th
  4. Interview (if applicable): May 1st – May 15th
  5. Notification of Award: May 10, 2026
  6. Scholarship Disbursement: July–August 2026 (paid to the college/university per policy

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Academic Standing: Must be a high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (of 4.0 scale).
  2. Enrollment: Must be accepted to an accredited college or university.
  3. Letters of Recommendation: One letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders supporting the applicant’s qualifications and character.
  4. Financial Need: Consideration of financial need, although not the sole determining factor.

Scholarship FAQ's

When is the application due?

The application is due by March 15th  each year. Be sure to submit all required documents and materials before the deadline to ensure your application is considered.

Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or currently enrolled undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students should also demonstrate a commitment to community service and be accepted or enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Financial need is evaluated based on the applicant’s household income, family size, and other financial obligations. While financial need is considered during the selection process, it is not the sole determining factor for awarding the scholarship.

No, you do not need to be an athlete to apply for the Wendell Scott Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is open to students from all backgrounds and fields of study who meet the eligibility criteria and embody the core values of perseverance, academic excellence, leadership, community service, integrity, and innovation.

No, you do not need to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to be eligible for this scholarship. The Wendell Scott Legacy Scholarship is open to students attending any accredited college or university.

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